Putting into Retirement

But, Ferguson also has flown in an F-14 fighter jet without losing her lunch. And, she's completed 120 hours of basic law enforcement training. But, after 32 years, she's ready to retire, thanks to her red-hot putter.

Ferguson got her first job with the state as a clerk for newly-appointed State Fire Marshall Bob Morrison. Now, more than three decades later, Ferguson found herself on the putting green at Railwood Golf Course in Jefferson City with a chance to win $5,000 last week.

"I was not nervous," she recalled. "And I think the biggest reason why was, when I got here, one of my fellow partners was kind enough to pay for the entry into the contest."

Although Ferguson didn't know it at the time, she was competing in the putting contest at the Bob Morrison Memorial Golf Tournament.

"Everything happens for a reason," she said. "And I think it is so special, after I learned who this tournament is named after, that Bob was with me a little bit that day."

Just before her 50-foot putt fell in the cup, Ferguson also made a 10-footer and 30-footer without missing to set up the chance to win $5,000.

Now, she's ready to join her husband, Wayne, of 35 years in retirement and take a vacation cruise to Hawaii.

"We've been wanting to do that for a number of years. So it'll be fun."

By the way, all contestants made only seven out of 183 total putts in the contest, with Ferguson sinking three of those seven.